Paige’s future up to expertFree Access

A Mariposa County man might avoid prison time for alleged sexual crimes against children.

Michael Thomas Paige, 18, faces three felony counts and two misdemeanor charges related to sex charges against two minors.

Paige made an appearance Tuesday in Mariposa County Superior Court, where it was determined he would be evaluated by a psychiatrist to determine whether he should be “supervised” on probation rather than receiving an “extended sentence” in state prison, said Judge Douglas Boyack, who is assigned to the case.

Before the judge potentially grants probation, the court must obtain a Penal Code 288.1 report, which is the evaluation of Paige’s mental condition by a trained psychologist or psychiatrist.

Paige is set to meet with Dr. Philip Trompetter, a psychologist based in Modesto, to be evaluated.

That evaluation will determine whether Paige is fit for probation or not based on circumstances of the offense and the defendant’s history.

Paige is accused of a number of counts, including sodomy of a person under the age of 18, committing a lewd act on a child under the age of 14, indecent exposure and child molestation.

Conviction on the charges carries various penalties and requirements, including registering as a sex offender. It could also mean Paige has to submit to an HIV/AIDS test.